Beulah E. Laswell, 86, of Holton passed away Tuesday,
December 30, 2003 atRipley Crossing in
Milan. She was born near Pierceville on November 24, 1917 the daughter of John
and Alice Stegner Walsh. She was married to Robert Laswell in 1937 and he
preceded her in death in 1956. Mrs. Laswell was a 1935 graduate of Holton High
School and was a life long member of the Holton United Methodist Church. She
had worked as a cook at the Holton School and retired from the Muscatatuck
State Developmental Center. Survivors include three sons, Merlin Laswell and
his wife Carolyn of Clermont, Florida, Ronald Laswell of Phoenix City, Alabama,
and Roy Dean Laswell and his wife Connie of Naples, Florida; two daughters,
Eileen Rayburn of Osgood and Brenda Sizemore of Roanoke, Virginia; 12
grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; one brother John Leslie Walsh and his
wife Ruth of Versailles. Besides her husband Mrs. Laswell was preceded in death
by her parents, her son Bobby, her brothers Walter Walsh and Norman Walsh, her
sister Lucille Downey, one grandson and one great-grandson. Funeral services
will be held Saturday, January 3rd at 11am at the Holton United
Methodist Church with Rev. John Scudder and Rev. Dennis Hadler officiating.
Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, January 2nd
from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials
may be given to the church or cemetery in care of the funeral home.

Elberta “Bertie” Myers, 65, of Osgood passed away
Sunday, December 28, 2003 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in
Batesville. She was born near Elrod on August 17, 1938, the daughter of Elbert
and Allie Pulley Farmer. She was married to Charles Myers on July 22, 1965 and
he survives. Other survivors include one son, Allen McIntosh and his wife
Vickie of Brookville; three daughters, Lori Ann Sturgeon and her husband Kevin
of Osgood, Debra Kay Gregory and Leonard of Fortville,and Sarah Chemo and Mark of Roan Mountain,
Tennessee; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley
Ward of Southport and Faye Belew of Lawrenceburg. She was preceded in death by
her parents, her brother Albert Farmer and her sister Dorothy East. Mrs. Myers
was a homemaker and a member of the Versailles Church of Christ. Funeral
services will be held Wednesday, December 31st at 11am at the
Versailles Church of Christ with Dale Day officiating. Burial will be in the
Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 30th from
5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may
be given to the Versailles Church of Christ.

Kenneth
A. Geisler, 38, of Rexvillepassed away
Sunday, December 21, 2003 at the University Hospital in Louisville. He was born
at Hawthorne,Nevada on April 25, 1965 the son of Albert Elvan and Barbara Gaines
Geisler. He was married to Nancy Sturgill on October 10, 1987 and she survives.
Other survivors include his parents, Elvan and Barbara Geisler of Bryantsburg,
two daughters, Deborah L. Geisler and Tiffany N. Geisler, one son, Kenneth Ryan
Geisler all at home; two brothers, Kevin Geisler of Bryantsburg and Kris Geisler
of North Vernon; one sister Karen Lucas of North Vernon; paternal grandmother
Faye Geisler of Rexville, maternal grandmother Margaret Gaines of Osgood along
with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mr. Geisler was a 1983 graduate of
Madison High School and was employed with Hance Farms at Rexville. He was a
veteran of the Air Force and a member of the Liberty Christian Church near
Madison. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 24th at
10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Burial will be in
the Westfork Cemetery near Rexville. Visitation will be Tuesday, December
23rd from 4pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to childrens charities
in care of the funeral home.

Clifford R. Smith, 89, of Osgood passed away Sunday,
December 21, 2003 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born at
St. Joseph, Missouri on June 13, 1914 the son of Calvin and Clara Belle Jordan
Smith. He was married to Margaret Herbert in 1945and she preceded him in death on April 22, 1989. Survivors
include one son, Bob Smith and his wife Pat of Osgood, one daughter, Nancy Dilk
and her husbandWayne of Osgood; five
grandchildren and one great-grandchild; also one sister-in-law Dorothy Smith of
Topeka, Kansas. Mr. Smith had been employed with the Napoleon Sawmill, Vines
Poultry, and retired from Thomas & Skinner in Osgood in 1981. He was an
Army veteran of WWII where served with the military police in Alaska. Funeral
services will be held Tuesday, December 23rd at 10:30am at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Michael Miller
officiating. Visitation will be held Monday from 5pm to 7pm. Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery at Napoleon with
military graveside rites by the Osgood American Legion. Memorials may be given
to the Alzheimers Foundation or to St. John’s Cemetery.

Virginia R. Downey, 83, of Versailles, formerly of
Holton passed away Thursday, December 18, 2003 at the Margaret Mary Community
Hospital in Batesville. She was born at Anderson on May 7, 1920, the daughter
of Homer and Estella Boring Shinkle. She was married to Floyd Downey on May 22,
1942 and he died on June 25, 1970. Mrs. Downey was a homemaker and a member of
the Hopewell Baptist Church. She was a 1939 graduate of Holton High School.
Survivors include four sons, Larry Downey, Ronald Downey and his wife Nancy,
Alan Downey and his wife Christina all of Holton, and Terry Downey of Osgood;
three daughters, Joyce Peters and her husband Robert of Brownstown, Linda
Downey of Versailles, and Phyllis Swinney of Holton; 19 grandchildren and 15
great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers Robert and
Richard Shinkle and her sister Elizabeth Hohnstreiter. Funeral services will be
held Sunday, December 21st at 2pm at the Hopewell Baptist Church
with Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 20th from 4pm to 7pm at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the
Holton Cemetery or the Hopewell Baptist Church building fund.

Delores I. Meyer, 63, of Versailles passed away
Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at the Ripley Crossing in Milan.She was born in Ohio County on August 12,
1940 the daughter of Albert and Twyla McMackin McCauley. Ms. Meyer was an
attendant at Ross Manor in Dillsboro and was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran
Church in Dewberry. Survivors include two daughters, Debbie Rohrig and her
husband Daryle of Milan, Alisha Broadus and her husband John of Rexville; one
son, Darrell Burress and his wife Jennifer of Milan; eleven grandchildren, four
great-grandchildren; one sister, Anita Chandler of Cross Plains and one brother
William McCauley of Cross Plains. She was preceded in death by her parents, her
son David Karol Burress,one sister,
and one grandson. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 19th
at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Dale Day
officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 10am until time of services.
Burial will be in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery at Dewberry. Memorials may be
given to the cemetery.

Ryan Michael Craig, 17, of Elrod passed away Sunday,
December 14, 2003 at the Childrens Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born at
Columbus on August 28, 1986 the son of Ray and Kathleen Raffignone Craig. Ryan
was a junior at Milan High School and was a member of the Washington Baptist
Church at Elrod. He enjoyed bowling and had participated in dirt track racing
having driven at raceways in Lawrenceburg, North Vernon, and Osgood. He is
survived by his father Ray Craig of Elrod, his mother Kathleen Craig of Elrod,
maternal grandparents Lovell and Mary Raffignone of Elrod, his half sister Lori
Jo Sullivan of Elrod and his half brother Jeremy Stevens of Detroit. He was
preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Lloyd and Dana Craig. Funeral
services will be held Wednesday, December 17th at 2pm at the
Washington Baptist Church in Elrod with Rev. Bruce Fitzsimmons officiating.
Burial will be in the Little Memory Cemetery near Sunman. Visitation will be
Tuesday, December 16th from 4pm to 8pm at the Washington Baptist
Church. Memorials may be given to Milan Rescue 30 or the donors choice. The
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth Mitchell, 81, of Moores Hill, formerly
of Osgood, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2003 at the home of her daughter
in Moores Hill. She was born at Franklin, Kentucky on July 16, 1922 the
daughter of Roy and Audrey Hargis Anderson. She was married to Bert Mitchell on
March 14, 1943 and he preceded her in death on January 16, 1996. Mrs. Mitchell
was a homemaker. She is survived by five sons, Walter “Bud” Mitchell and his
wife Julie of Elgin, South Carolina, Lonnie Mitchell and Mary of Lawrenceburg,
IN, Vic Mitchell of Zephyr Hills, Florida, Edward Mitchell and Debbie of Rising
Sun, IN, and Nolan Mitchell of LaCanto, Florida; five daughters, LaMona West ,
Joyce West and her husband Ray all of Osgood, Judy Hargrove of Lake Stevens,
Washington, Janine Frey and Toby of Moores Hill, and Faith Mitchell of
Marysville, Washington; 38 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and four
great great grandchildren; one brother, Ashley Anderson; Sisterinlaw Wilma Anderson
of Mooresville, IN. and Myrtle Ann of New
Palestine, IN. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Clinton Mitchell and
Marty Mitchell and her brothers Marshall and Eldon Anderson. Funeral services
will be held Wednesday, December 17th at 10:30 am at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home inVersailles with Anthony Kasper officiating. Burial will be in the
Greendale Cemetery at Osgood. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 16th
from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be made to the Mesothelioma Foundation or the
Moores Hill Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

Edgar Narwold, 81, of Napoleon, passed away Tuesday,
December 9, 2003 at the Decatur Memorial Hospital in Greensburg. He was born
near Napoleon on June 16, 1922 the son of Henry and Carrie Busch Narwold. He
was married to Ruth Luers on November 28, 1953 and she survives. Other
survivors include one son, David Narwold and his wife Pam of Napoleon,
grandsons Curt Narwold and his wife Megan of Davenport, Iowa and Steve Narwold
of Napoleon; also his cousin, Norma Kessens Roberts of Batesville. He was
preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Betty Narwold Toops. Mr.
Narwold was a farmer and had lived his entire life in the Napoleon area. He was
a member of the St.John Lutheran Church in Napoleon, was a gold badge member of
the Napoleon Fire Department, and was a Jackson Township board member of the
Ripley County Farm Bureau. He had also served as a 4-H leader for the Junior
Farmers of Finks for 26 years. Funeral services will be held Friday, December
12th at 11am at the St. John Lutheran Church in Napoleon with Rev.
Gary Groth officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will
be Thursday, December 11th from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Jac-Cen-Del High
School Athletic Department, Napoleon Fire Department, or the St. John Lutheran
Church.

Mallie M. Ralston, 87, of Versailles, passed away
Sunday, December 7, 2003 at the Heritage House in Salem. She was born at East
Enterprise, Indiana on August 18, 1916 the daughter of Louis and Myrtle Driver
Lakeman and was married to Lawrence Ralston on February 24, 1940 and he
survives. Other survivors include two sons, Doug Ralston and his wife
Debbe of Lexington, Kentucky, Jim Ralston and his wife Linda
of Salem; three grandchildren, two sisters, Mary Schmidt of Aurora and Janice
Furnish of East Enterprise. She was preceded in death by her parents and her
brothers James and Wilbur Lakeman. Mrs. Ralston was a homemaker and a member of
the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean. She was a 1934 graduate of Vevay High
School and had formerly served as a 4-H leader in Brown Township. She was also
a member of the Versailles Eastern Star and the County Home Ec Club. Funeral
services will be held Wednesday, December 10th at 11am at the St.
Paul Lutheran Church in Olean with Rev. Marcus Felde officiating. Visitation
will be Tuesday, December 9th from 5pm to 8pm at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of
services Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Pauls
Improvement Fund in care of the funeral home.

James R. Gordon, 52, of Osgood passed away Thursday,
November 27, 2003 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born
January 27, 1951 in Ripley County the son of Dennis and Helen Benham Gordon. He
was an employee of New Horizons in Batesville. Survivors include one daughter,
Tamara Gordon of Osgood, his aunt Ruth Eaton Smith of Versailles and his
nephews Rusty and Randy Gordon. He was preceded in death by his parents and his
brother Tim Gordon.Graveside services
will be held Monday, December 1stat 11am at the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles with Rev. Garland Rudd
officiating. Memorials may be given to the donors choice. The Stratton -
Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles was in charge of arrangements.

Ernie Grossman, 75, of Holton passed away Sunday,
November 23, 2003 at his residence. He was born in the Hopewell community near
Holton on May 29, 1928 the son of Leland “Pete”and Juanita Burton Grossman. He was married to Betty Hoover on
March 21, 1946 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons, Ronnie
Grossman and his wife Michelle of Holton, Rick Grossman and his wife Emily of
Clay City, Indiana; two daughters, Melody Pugh and her husband Butch of
Shelbyville, and Marcia Loveall and her husband Bill of Sherman, Texas; 10
grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Montana Whitson of
Seattle, Washington, and one brother, Andrew Grossman of Holton. He was
preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ray Grossman. Mr. Grossman was
a farmer and had been employed with the Southeastern Indiana REMC for 38 years.
He was 1945 graduate of Holton High School and attended the Hopewell Baptist
Church. He was president of the Indiana Wagon Train and Outriders Association
and had served for 50 years as a Republican Precinct Committeeman in Otter
Creek Township and had also been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash. Funeral
services will be held Wednesday, November 26th at 11am at the
Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev.David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in
the Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 25th
from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and also
from 10am until time of services Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be
given to the HopewellBaptist Church
building fund.

Laine E. White, 46, of Versailles passed away Friday,
November 21, 2003 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born on
May 13, 1957 at Limestone, Maine the son of Roland and Irene Freeman White. He
is survived by his daughter Karrie White of Moores Hill, grandchildren Isabella
and Dominick White; brothers Roland “Dusty” White, Jr. of Glendale, Arizona,
Jay White of Versailles, and Scott White of Dayton, Ohio; one sister, Billie
Sue Ebinger of Holton. Mr. White was a 1975 graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School
and worked in construction. He was a veteran of the Air Forceanda member of the Osgood Amvets and the American Legion. Funeral services
will be held Tuesday, November 25th at 10:30am at the Tyson United
Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Hendrix officiating. Visitation will be held
from 9am until time of services at the church. Burial will be in the Indiana
Veterans Cemetery in Madison and memorials may be given to the donors choice.
The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home of Versailles is in charge of arrangements.

Leona L. Suttinger, 92, of New Marion passed away
Sunday, November 16, 2003 at the Manderley Health Care Center at Osgood. She
was born near New Marion on January 19, 1911 the daughter of John and Regina
Holzer Eckstein. She was married to Harry Suttinger and he preceded her in
death on February 9, 2000. Mrs. Suttinger was retired from Indiana Bell where
she worked as a telephone operator. She was a member of the St. Magdalene
Catholic Church and a member of the Telephone Pioneers. She is survived by her sisters
Gertrude Meisberger of New Marion and Irene Doyle of Indianapolis along with
several nieces and nephews.She was
preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Charles, Bernard, Herman, John,
Ed, and Matt Eckstein and her sisters Margaret Jasper, Carrie Stewart, and
Catherine Kurtz. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 19,
2003 at 10am at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Madison with Father John
Meyer officiating. Burial in the St. Magdalene Cemetery at Madison. Visitation
will be Tuesday, November 18 from 6pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral
Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 7:30pm. Memorials may be given to
the St. Magdalene Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.

Leah O. Cumberworth, 89, of the Hopewell community,
passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at the home of her daughter near Holton.
She was born near Osgood on August 7, 1914, the daughter of Arthur and Olive
Beihl Palmer. She was married to Guy Cumberworth on November 28, 1935 and he
preceded her in death on September 8, 1985. Mrs. Cumberworth was a 1933
graduate of Holton High School and was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church.
She served as church custodian for forty years and was also a member of the
Hopewell Homemakers Club.She is
survived by one son, Guy Cumberworth, Jr. and his wife Saralee of Holton; four
daughters, Luella Franklin and her husband Lloyd of the Hopewell community,
Lila Holcomb and husband Dean of Westport, Linda Tieman of Holton, and Leda
Hunteman and husband Carl of Van Buren, Ohio; 15 grandchildren, 30
great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. She was preceded in death by
her parents, one great-grand child, her son-in-law Wayne Tieman and her
brothers Lowell Palmer, Lester Palmer, Estal Palmer and by her sister Alma
McGee. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 15th at
10:30am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev.David Shivers officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, November 14th
from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials
may be given to the Hopewell Baptist Church building fund.

Helen Shaw, 88, of Holton passed away Tuesday,
November 11, 2003 at the Columbus Regional Hospital. She was born in
Blanchester, Ohio on October 10, 1915 the daughter of William and Florence
Garner Hudson. She was married to Wallace Shaw on July 8, 1939 and he preceded
her in death on August 21, 2002. Mrs. Shaw was a registered nurse and was
retired from the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center. She was a member of
the Holton Christian Church and participated in the Mothers Class. She is
survived by two sons, Frank Shaw and his wife Brenda of Columbus and Gary Shaw
of Holton; grandchildren Christine Shaffer of Lexington, Kentucky and Tom Shaw
of Peoria and great-grandson Robbie Shaffer; two sisters, Mary Harvey of Lake
Mills, Wisconsin and June Lynn of Burbank, California; one brother Joe Hudson
of Glendale, Kentucky. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her
brothers Harold and Jerald Hudson. Funeral services will be held at the
convenience of the family. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is
in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Holton Christian
Church in care of the funeral home.

EverettA.
Beeman, 45, of Butlerville passed away Sunday, November 09, 2003 at the
Columbus Regional Hospital. He was born at Greensburg on July 20, 1958, the son
of Carl and Patricia McVey Beeman. He was married to Robin Graves on July 28,
1990 and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Kaitlin and Kasey
Beeman, both at home; his parents Carl and Pat Beeman of Butlerville; one
brother, Kenneth Beeman and his wife Cynthia and one sister Carla Franklin and
her husband Mark, all of Holton. Mr. Beeman was a 1976 graduate of Jennings
County High School and had been employed with Arvins. He was a member of the
Nebraska Church of God and was co-owner of B & B Racing at Butlerville.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 12th at 11am at the
Nebraska Church of God with Brother Patrick Harrigan officiating. Burial will
be in the Grandview Memorial Garden near Madison. Visitation will be Tuesday,
November 11th from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton- Karsteter Funeral
Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Wednesday at the
church. Memorials may be given to the donors choice.

Richard Dale Hyatt, 71, of Versailles, passed away
Saturday, November 8, 2003 near his home. He was born in Indianapolis on
September 26, 1932 the son of Morton and Goldie Clarkson Hyatt. He was married
to Barbara Noland on October 18, 1952 and she survives. Other survivors include
one daughter, Karen Cutter and her husband Gary of Colfax, Illinois; two
step-daughters, Patty Clark and her husband Pat of Ft. Myers, Florida and
Barbara Brandum and her husband Bill of Hanover; 12 grandchildren and 5
great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Marcia Elmore of
Marysville, Ohio, Esther Lowe of New Palestine, and Doris Shingleton of Ft.
Myers, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Alen
and Raymond Hyatt. Mr. Hyatt was retired from Rexnord in Madison where he
worked as a plant supervisor. He was an Army veteran and was a member of the
Grace Baptist Church at Madison. Funeral services will be held Tuesday,
November 11 at 2pm at the Stratton- Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with
Rev. Joel Almaroad of the Grace Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will be
Tuesday from 12pm until time of services. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill
Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Grace Baptist Church in care of the
funeral home.

Myrtle S. Schneider, 93, of Osgood, passed away
Wednesday, November 05, 2003 at her residence. She was born near San Jancinto
in Jennings County on November 4, 1910, the daughter of Claremore and Elizabeth
Walton Stout. She was married to Abe Schneider on June 15, 1935 and he
survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Sherrill Chedah and her
husband Karl Jaffary of Toronto, Canada, Marcia Whisman and her husband John of
Columbus, and Kathie L. Johnson of Indianapolis; one son, Ralph Schneider and his
wife Pat of Osgood; 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great
grandchildren; one sister Hazel Stoultz of North Vernon. She was preceded in
death by one brother and four sisters. Mrs. Schneider was a 1928 graduate of
Butlerville High School and along with her husband owned and operated
Schneider’s Scrap Metal in Osgood since 1941. She was also a homemaker and a
member of the Osgood United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held
Saturday, November 8 at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in
Versailles with Rev.Don Buck officiating. Burial will be in the Vernon
Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 11am until time of services.
Memorials may be given to the Decatur County Hospice or to the Gideons.

Mary Jane Smith, 78, of Versailles passed away
Saturday, November 1, 2003 at the Waters of Batesville. She was born near
Benham on April 21, 1925 the daughter of Verne and Muriel Cathey McCoy. She was
married to Melvin Smith on April 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on August
13, 2003. She is survived by her son David Smith and his wife Lynne of New
Castle, grandsons Steven and Robert Smith of Greenfield and her granddaughter
Allison Senniger of Indianapolis along with two great-grandchildren and five sisters-in-law.
She was preceded in death by her brother R. C. McCoy and her granddaughter Erin
O’Neal. Mrs. Smith was a 1944 graduate of Dillsboro High School and formerly
worked at the Dillsboro Health Resort and also at Thomas Fashions in Versailles
along with being a homemaker. She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church
at Olean and the Olean Willing Workers Home Ec. Club.Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 4th at
11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Marcus
Felde of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean officiating. Burial will be in
St. Peters Cemetery in Olean. Visitation will be Monday, November 3rd
from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Dialysis Center at Batesville in
care of the funeral home.

Leslie Wilson, 79, of Napoleon, passed away Friday,
October 24, 2003 at his residence. He was born near New Marion on December 21,
1923, the son of Albert J. and Audrey Baker Wilson. He was married to Joyce
Holzhause on March 18, 1949 and she survives. Other survivors include one son
David Wilson and his wife Debbie of Osgood; grandchildren Jeff Wilson, Amber
Wilson, Sherry Stagge, and Steve Koehne and five great-grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Karen, his brother Lloyd Wilson
and his sister Joyce Bruce. Mr. Wilson was a 1942 graduate of Osgood High
School and was a member of the St.John Lutheran Church in Napoleon. He was a
farmer and along with his wife owned and operated Wilson’s Saw Shop west of
Napoleon since 1951. Mr. Wilson was in the Merchant Marines and served during
WWII. Funeral services will be Monday, October 27th at 10:30am at
the Stratton - Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Gary Groth of
the St. John Lutheran Church in Napoleon officiating. Visitation will be
Sunday, October 26th from 4pm to 7pm. Burial will be in St. John’s
Cemetery at Napoleon. Memorials may be given to the Church or to the Decatur
County Hospice.

Dale Moss, Jr., 20, of Elizabethtown passed away Tuesday,
October 21, 2003 at his residence. He was born August 8, 1983 in Dallas, Texas
the son of Dale and Betty Taulbee Moss. He is survived by his father Dale Moss,
Sr. of Ashland Ohio; his mother and step-father Betty and Bruce Pettit of
Elizabethtown; brothers Roger McAdams, Jr. and Pat McAdams both of Versailles,
Bobby Pettit and Scott Pettit both of North Vernon, and Chris Sloan of
Kentucky. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was
preceded in death by his grandparents James and Geneva Taulbee, Marie
Kauker,and Bill Moss. Funeral services
will be held Friday, October 24th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Bruce Fitzsimmons of the Washington Baptist
Church officiating.Visitation will be
from 12pm until time of services. Burial will be in the Green Cemetery near
Versailles. Memorials may be given to the donors choice.Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of
arrangements.

Naomi L. Braley, 80, of Indianapolis passed away Tuesday
October 21, 2003 at the St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born in
the Tanglewood community near Versailles on July 26, 1923 the daughter of Wilcy
and Bernice McMartin Braley. She was a 1941 graduate of Versailles High School
and a 1948 graduate of the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in
Indianapolis. She received her Bachelors degree in Nursing Education in 1965
from Indiana University and her Masters degree in 1973 from Butler University
in Public Health. She had worked as an Industrial Nurse for International
Harvester in Indianapolis for 29 years. She was past president of the Indiana
Industrial Nurses Association and a past director of the American Association
of Industrial Nurses. She was a member of the Tanglewood Baptist Church and a
61year member and past Matron of the Versailles Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include her brothers, Charles William Braley of Indianapolis, Harold
Braley of Madison, and Frank Braley of Versailles; one sister Dorothy Jeffries
of Indianapolis along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in
death by her parents and her brother Robert Braley.Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 23rd
at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Carter
Corbey of the Versailles Southern Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in
the Tanglewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 22nd
from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Tanglewood Baptist Church. Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of
arrangements.

Melvin “Doc” Iceberg, 83, of Cross Plains passed away
Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at the Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg. He
was born in Pleasant Township in Switzerland County on June 7, 1920 the son of
Henry and Mary Knollman Iceberg. He was married to Virginia Thomas on April 10,
1948 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Daniel Iceberg and his
wife Carol of Cross Plains; three daughters, Diana Deamron and her husband
Terry of Greenwood, Ileene Smith and her husband Larry of Monroe, Michigan, and
Judy Hall and her husband Chuck of St. Charles, Illinois; ten grandchildren and
six great-grandchildren; one sister, Pauline Smith of Cross Plains. He was
preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Darlene Lohide,his brother Leslie Iceberg, his sister Irene
Iceberg, an infant brother and two infant grandchildren. Mr. Iceberg was a
lifetime member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Dewberry and was a farmer.
He, along with his wife, operated the M & V TV Shop in Cross Plains for
several years. He also had served as a director on the Southeastern Indiana
Rural Telephone Corporation for 21 years and had driven a school bus in the
Switzerland County, Cross Plains, and South Ripley schools for a total of 42
years. Mr. Iceberg was a former member of the Friendship Fire Department and
was a former director of the Ripley County Farm Bureau. Funeral services will
be held Friday, October 17th at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Donald Sauls officiating. Burial will be
in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery at Dewberry. Visitation will be Thursday,
October 16th from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the St. Paul
Lutheran Church building fund.

Kathleen M. Barnett, 31, of Holton, passed away
Saturday, October 11, 2003 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in
Batesville. She was born October 17, 1971 in Indianapolis the daughter of Wayne
and Cindy Litton Vanosdol. Ms. Barnett was a 1989 graduate of South Ripley High
School and had formerly lived in Minneapolis. She was employed with Brinks
Security and was a member of the Holton Christian Church.Survivors include her parents Wayne and
Cindy Vanosdol of Holton; four sons, Devon, Demetrius, David, and Dwayne Davis
all at home; one brother Billy Clements of New Marion, three sisters, Amy Davis
of Cincinnati, Niki Davis of Osgood, and Linda Jo Vanosdol of Holton; also her
grandparents Woodrow and Margaret Vanosdol of Holton. Funeral services will be
held Tuesday, October 14that 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev.
David Shivers of the Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will be
Monday, October 13th from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the
donors choice. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of
arrangements.

Carl H. Warfield, 92, of Correct passed away Thursday,
October 2, 2003 at his residence. He was born at Correct on January 5, 1911,
the son of Julius and Josie Bovard Warfield and was married to Lucille Gookins
on July 30, 1938 and she survives. Mr. Warfield was a self employed truck
driver and hauled livestock and water in the area for several years. He had
spent his entire life in the Versailles and Correct area and was a member of
the Versailles Baptist Church.Survivors
besides his wife include one son, Tom Warfield and his wife Lois of Correct;
one daughter, Rebecca Rogers and her husband Charles of Carmel, six
grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Also one sister, Dortha Warfield
of Cincinnati. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mrs.
Beulah Underwood. Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 5th
at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mark
Walker officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles.
Visitation will be Saturday, October 4th from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials
may be given to the Versailles Baptist Church building fund or to the Cliff
Hill Cemetery. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of
arrangements.

Colleen L. Pinkerton, 76, ofVersailles passed away Friday, September 26th at the
Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born at Lewiston, Utah on
October 14, 1926, the daughter of Lewis and Ruth Hollingsworth Lloyd. She was
married to Weaver Pinkerton on June 5, 1930 and he preceded her in death in
1986. Mrs. Pinkerton was retired from the Muscatatuck State Developmental
Center where she worked as an attendant for 14 years. She was a veteran of the
Air Force and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
at Batesville. She is survived by four sons, Lloyd Pinkerton and his wife
Carmen of Houston, Texas, Tom Pinkerton of Greensburg, Wayne Pinkerton of
Florida, and Wade Pinkerton and his wife Christina of Rexville; four daughters,
Nancy Downey and her husband Ron of Holton, Debbie Geisler and her husband
Bernard of Rexville, Pam McQueen and her husband Steve of Holton, and Tina
Doolin and her husband Jim of Franklin, North Carolina, 15 grandchildren, 19
great-grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers. Funeral services will be
held Tuesday, September 30th at 11am at the Stratton Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles with Bishop Marshall Dahneke officiating.Visitation will be Monday, September 29th
from 5pm to 8pm. Burial will be in the Veteran Memorial Park at Bay Pines,
Florida. Memorials may be given to the Rock Garden fund of the Manderley Health
Care Center.

Pauline Sutton Truesdel, 80, of New Marion passed away
Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at the Norton Hospital in Louisville. She was born
at Williamsburg, Kentucky on January 5, 1923, the daughter of Forest and Roxie
Lynch Hamblin. She was married to Charles Sutton on February 22, 1941 and he
preceded her in death on November 17, 1967. She was married to Delbert Truesdel
on December 10, 1973 and he preceded her in death on July 4, 1997. Mrs.
Truesdel is survived by her mother Mrs. Roxie Hamblin of Corbin, Kentucky;
three sons, Charles Sutton and his wife Beverly of Greensburg, Richard Sutton
and his wife Joyce, Ronald Sutton and his wife Becky all of Holton; daughter
Barbara Heuer and her husband John of Cross Plains; daughter-in-law Donna
Sutton of Hanover; 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; three brothers,
Harold Hamblin of Sharonville, Ohio, Ray Thomas of Somerset, Kentucky, and
Harold Thomas of Blue Ash, Ohio; three sisters, Virginia Graves of Creve Cove,
Illinois, Irene Dart of Deputy, and Jean Kieffer of Versailles. She was
preceded in death by her father, son Bruce Sutton, brothers Jim Thomas, Charles
Thomas, and William Hamblin, sister Osha Lee Lay, and one great-granddaughter.
Mrs. Truesdel was an attendant at the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center
for 25 years and was a member of the New Marion Baptist Church. Funeral
services will be held Friday, September 26th at 11am at the New
Marion Baptist Church with Rev. James Goble officiating. Burial will be in the
New Marion Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, September 25th
from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton- Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.
Memorials may be given to the New Marion Cemetery. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of
arrangements.

Joyce M. Boyd of Milan, 87, died Saturday at Margaret
Mary Hospital in Batesville.She was
born Monday, January 3, 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and
Ida Breen Miller and was married to James E. Boyd on November 26, 1936 and he
survives. She is also survived by her son James E. Boyd III of Indianapolis,
Charles “Andy” Boyd of Oxford, Mississippi; one daughter Joyce “Cis” Call of
Milan; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in
death by one brother and two sisters. Mrs. Boyd was a homemaker and a member of
the Milan United Methodist Church. Memorial services will be held Monday,
September 8th at 2pm at the Milan United Methodist Church with Rev.
Robert Estes and Rev Beverly Smith officiating. Memorial donations may be made
to Rescue 30. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of
arrangements.

Herbert Fugate, 68, of Osgood, died Friday, September
5th at his residence. He was born at Vest, Kentucky on December 1,
1938, the son of Jasper and Mary Compton Fugate. He was married to Jean Imel on
March 20, 1964 and she survives. Other survivors include his mother, Mrs. Mary
Fugate of Moores Hill; one son Paul Fugate and his wife Diane of Morris,
daughters Betty Scamahornof Niceville,
Florida and Debbie Hackman of Milan; two step-sons, Tom Stroud and his wife Betty
of Rochester, and Steven Stroud of Osgood; two step-daughters, Debbie Stroud of
Osgood, and Brenda Messer and her husband Jr. of Osgood; 15 grandchildren and 2
great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jay and Sarah Fugate of Milan and William
and Roberta Fugate of Holton; three sisters, Lois and Harry Mockbeeand Gail and Leonard Haase all of Milan, and
Phyllis and Bob Crosswaithe of Moores Hill. Mr. Fugate was preceded in death by
his father, his son Vernon, granddaughter Chelsea Hackman, brother Granville
Fugate, and his sister Pauline Allen. Mr. Fugate was a 1954 graduate of Milan
High School, attended Cedar Creek Community Church and was a member of the
Holton Masonic Lodge.He was a former
employee of Fernald, was a farmer and a self employed trucker. Mr. Fugate was
President of the Milan CB Helping Hands Club and was an avid outdoorsman and
coon hunter. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 8th at
10:30am at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Garland
Rudd of the Cedar Creek Community Church officiating. Visitation will be
Sunday, September 7th from 5pm to 8pm with Masonic services being
conducted at 7:30pm.Burial will be in
the Grandview Memorial Garden near Madison. Memorials may be given to the
Hospice of Margaret Mary Hospital or the Milan CB Helping Hands Club Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Herbert Edward “Jim” Rimstidt, 86, of Napoleon passed
away Friday, August 29, 2003 at the Decatur County Memorial Hospital in
Greensburg. He was born near Napoleon on October 14, 1916, the son of Joseph
and Margaret Bultman Rimstidt. Mr. Rimstidt was a farmer and had spent his
entire life in the Napoleon community. He is survived by his brother Warren
Rimstidt of Ottawa, Illinois; two sisters, Elsie Engle of Ottawa, Illinois and
Bertha Miller of Versailles along with several nieces and nephews and his caregiver
Connie Poole of Napoleon.He was
preceded in death by his parents, his brother Earl Rimstidt and his sister
Florene Engle. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 2nd
at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Charles
Cole of the Dabney Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in St. Peters
Cemetery at Finks Corner near Osgood. Visitation will be Monday, September 1st
from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the donors choice. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Dallas E. Henneke, 85, of Osgood, passed away
Thursday, August 28, 2003 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was
born near Napoleon on June 7, 1918, the son of Harry and Viola Rimstidt
Henneke. He was married to Margaret Carroll on October 18, 1938 and she
survives. Other survivors include one son, Carroll Henneke and his wife Josie
and one daughter, Audra Gilmer and her husband Spence (Butch) all of
Indianapolis; three granddaughters, Shannon Milam and Autumn Roush both of
Indianapolis, and Stacy Malone of Lakewood, Colorado; one grandson, Tyler
Henneke of Winter Haven, Florida;one great-grandson, Cameron Milam; three
sisters, Beverly Straber of Indianapolis, Donna Ricketts of Osgood, and
Patricia Griffin of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his
brother Charles and sisters Georgia Gatlin and Virginia Kirch. Mr. Henneke was
a 1935 graduate of Napoleon High School and was a charter member of the Osgood
Moose Lodge. He was a farmer and operated a State Farm Insurance Agency in
Osgood for several years. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 1st
at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Garland
Rudd of the Cedar Creek Community Church officiating. Burial will be in the
Tanglewood Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 31st
from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimers Foundation or to
Rescue 69. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Elmer R. Vogel, 94, of Versailles, passed away Sunday,
August 24, 2003 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born near
Cross Plains December 13, 1908 the son of Theodore and Lena Peters Vogel. He
was married to Anna Schwagmeieron May
3, 1941 and she preceded him in death on October 25,1990. Mr. Vogel was a farmer and had spent his entire life in the
Benham and Cross Plains community. He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran
Church at Olean where he served on the church council and was also a member of
the Ripley County Farm Bureau. He is survived by one daughter, Eileen LaGreca
and her husband Frank of Dillsboro, one son, Ralph Vogel and his wife Lois of
Versailles; four grandchildren, Steve and Bradley Hunger and Kelly and Adam
Vogel. Mr. Vogel was preceded in death by his grandson Mark Hunger and his
son-in-law Paul Hunger.Funeral
services will be held Wednesday, August 27th at 10am at the St. Paul
Lutheran Church in Olean with Rev. Marcus Felde officiating. Burial will be in
the church cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 26 from 6pm to 9pm at
the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to
the donors choice. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Charles E. Mulford, 65, of Osgood passed away Sunday,
August 17, 2003 at his residence. He was born at Friendship on June 13, 1938,
the son of Clarence and Margaret Spatz Mulford. He was married to Linda Hudson
on June 2, 1961 and she survives. Other survivors include two sons, Tim Mulford
of Greensburg and Scott Mulford and his wife Sandy of Versailles; three
daughters, Teresa Holman and her friend Ray Meeker, Missy Keith and her husband
Tim, and Mindy Gunter and her husband Wayne, all of Osgood; two brothers, Jim
Mulford and his wife Wilma of Versailles, and Don Mulford and his wife Mary Ann
of Ft. Worth, Texas; one sister, Marian Weaver of Franklin; father and
mother-in-law Ed and Betty Hudson of Seymour and eleven grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by his parents and his brother Joe Mulford. Mr. Mulford was a
plasterer for Halcombs for many years and was retired from Batesville Casket.
He was an Army veteran and a member of the Cedar Creek Community Church.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 20th at 11am at the
Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Garland Rudd and Rev.
Rodney Osborne officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 19 from 5pm to
8pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Greendale Cemetery at Osgood.
Memorials may be given to the Hospice of Decatur County or the Cancer Fund. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Garnett M. Cline, 70, of Versailles passed away
Saturday, August 16, 2003 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was
born January 23, 1933 at Grantsville, West Virginia the daughter of Herman and
Nellie Connelly DeWeese. She was a certified nurses aide and is survived by her
companion Wilson McClure. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, August 19 at
10am at the Shelby Cemetery with Rev. Randy Thieman officiating.
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home of Versailles was in charge of arrangements. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Lucille D. Morris, 80, of Versailles passed away Saturday,
August 16, 2003 at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born at Benham on
February 26, 1923, the daughter of Harry and Delcene Steele Eaton. She was
married to Glenn Morris on September 26, 1942 and he preceded her in death on
July 4, 1997. Mrs. Morris was a 1942 graduate of Versailles High School and was
a homemaker. She was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church and attended the
Tyson United Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughters Brenda Whitaker
and husband Doug of Lafayette and Connie Morris of Versailles; grandsons Chad
Whitaker of West Lafayette and Matthew Whitaker of Lafayette and one
great-granddaughter Ellie Lynn Whitaker. She was preceded in death by her
parents, brothers Bill Eaton, Chester Eaton, Jesse Eaton and Howard Eaton, and
her sisters Helen Bultman, Hilda White, Esther Brunner, and Katherine Francis.
Visitation will be Monday, August 18 from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 19 at 2pm
at the funeral home with Dale Day of the Versailles Church of Christ and Rev.
Michael Hendrix of the Tyson United Methodist Church officiating.Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at
Versailles. Memorials may be given to the cemetery or the cancer fund. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Melvin T. Smith, 80, of Versailles passed away
Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at The Waters of Batesville. He was born at Farmers
Retreat on June 20, 1923 the son of Gustav and Anna Marie Kinker Smith. He was
married to Mary Jane McCoy on April 3, 1948 and she survives. He is also
survived by one son, David Smith and his wife Lynne of New Castle, four
sisters, Alverta Smith of Cincinnati, Verna Mayor of Michigan, Marian Rucker
and Doris Strimple both of Aurora; Two grandsons, Robert and Steven Smith of
Greenfield, one granddaughter, Allison Senniger of Indianapolis and two
great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers Elmer and Don
Smith and his sisters Gladys Whitaker and Betty Smith. Mr. Smith was a farmer
and was employed for many years with the Halcomb Home Center at Versailles. He
was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Olean and was a 1941 graduate
of Cross Plains High School. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 16
at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Visitation will be Friday, August 15th from 5:00 to 8:00
pm. Marcus
Felde officiating. Burial will be in St. Peters Cemetery at Olean.
Memorialsmay be given to the cemetery.
Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Norman W. Diem, 78, of Osgood passed away Saturday July 19,
2003 at the Riverwalk Village in Noblesville. He was born near Versailles on
February 26,
1925, the son of Herman and Cora Williams Diem and was married to Elaine
Schroder on December 21, 1946. Mrs Diem passed away on November 28, 2002.Mr. Diem was a 1943 graduate of Versailles
High School and was an Army veteran ofWWII. He was awarded the American Theatre Ribbon and the Philippine
Liberation Ribbon.He was a member of
the Osgood United Methodist Church,a
former member of the Osgood Lions Club, a former member and chief of the Osgood
Volunteer Fire Department,a 45 year
member of the Osgood Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Indianapolis Valley
Scottish Rite. Mr. Diem was formerly employed with Bob Aikins, Vines Poultry,
and along with his wife owned and operated Osgood Frozen Foods for 23 years
retiring in 1987. Survivors include one son, Ronald W. Diem and his wife Mary
of Lafayette, one daughter, Jacqueline E. Layton and her husband Charles of
Noblesville, one grandson, Robert Pipes and his wife Sara of Rochelle,
Illinois, and one great-grandson, Austin Pipes, and also several cousins.
Besides his wife and parents he was preceded in death by his sister Kathleen
Diem. Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 22nd at 11am at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with the Revs. Rob and Maxine
Rixman of the Osgood United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the
St. Peter’s Cemetery at Finks Corner. Visitation will be Monday, July 21st
from 5pm to 8pmwith Masonic services
at 7:30pm. Memorials may be given to the Osgood United Methodist Church, the
Osgood Fire Department, or St. Peter’s Cemetery. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Egbert N. Conover, 78, of Holton passed away Tuesday,
July 15 at the Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville. He was born in the
Hopewell community near Holton on April 18, 1925, the son of Asa and Dena
Bennett Conover. He was married to Leota Franklin on April 12, 1953 and she
survives. Other survivors his mother-in-law, Mrs. Ida Franklin of the Hopewell
community, two sons, Norman Conover,Nathan Conover and his wife Becky all of Holton; two daughters, Susan
Black and her husband Larry of Osgood, and Sally Webster and her husband Mike
of Versailles and ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister
Anna May Conover.Mr. Conover attended
the Conover school in the Hopewell community and was a 1943 graduate of Holton
High School. He was an Army veteran of WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star,
the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, and the Army
of Occupational Japan Medal. He was stationed on Bataan Island in the
Philippines and heard General Douglas MacArthur proclaim “ I shall
return.”He was a member of the
Hopewell Baptist Church and the Napoleon VFW. Mr. Conover was a truck driver
for Standard Oil for 28 years. Funeral services will be Friday, July 18th
at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery. Military graveside rites will be by the
Napoleon VFW.Calling will be Thursday,
July 17th from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in
Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Hopewell Baptist Church Deacons Fund.
Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Sharon L. Smith, 66, of Morristown, formerly of
Versailles, passed away Sunday, July 6th at St. Vincents Hospital in
Indianapolis. She was born near Versailles on November 23, 1936, the daughter
of Casper (Jack) and Jennie Rocca Hankins. She was married to Leroy Smith on
February 6, 1960 and he survives. She is also survived by two sisters, Penny
Smith of Vincennes and Mary Greene of Uttica, Michigan and several nieces and
nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Jack Hankins. Mrs. Smith was
employed with Naval Avionics in Indianapolis for 37 years. She was a 1955
graduate of Versailles High School and was a member of the Versailles Baptist
Church. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 9th at 11am at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mark Walker of the
Versailles Baptist Church officiating. Calling will be from 10am until time of
services. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles. Memorials
may be given to the donors choice. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Dennis R. Owens, 56, of Osgood passed away Friday, June 13,
2003 at his residence. He was born in the Cedar Creek community near Osgood on
July 28, 1946, the son of Glenn and Ethel Goodpaster Owens. He was married to
Beverly Shinkle on January 29, 1966 and she survives. Other survivors include
two sons, Dennis R. Owens, Jr. and his wife Deena of Dillsboro, Brian Owens and
his wife Jennifer of Madison; one daughter, Beth Owens of Versailles; six
grandchildren; six brothers, Eugene Owens, Charles Owens, Joe Owens, Jim Owens,
John Owens, and Russell Owens all of Osgood; three sisters, Georgia Adkinson of
Elrod, Alice Faye Mills of Osgood, and Lou Trueblood of Salem. Mr. Owens was
preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, and his brother Raliegh Dale
Owens. Mr. Owens was a 1965 graduate of Versailles High School and had been
employed with US Shoe for 25 years. He was an Army veteran and was also a
licensed auctioneer having owned and operated Owens Auction Barn in Versailles
and Napoleon. He was currently employed with the Grand Victoria Casino in
Rising Sun. Visitation will be Monday, June 16th from 4pm to 8pm at
the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services will be
Tuesday, June 17th at 11am in the funeral home with Rev. Joe Owens
officiating. Burial will be in the Greendale Cemetery at Osgood with military
graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be made to the
donors choice.Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Thomas A. (Tom) Comer, 54, of Indianapolis, formerly
of Holton, passed away Wednesday May 28 at Community Hospital North in
Indianapolis. Mr. Comer was born at Batesville on January 12, 1949 the son of
Henry Jr. and Evelyn Dudley Comer. He was a 1967 graduate of Holton High
Schooland a 1972 graduate of Purdue
University with a bachelors degree in agriculture mechanization.He also received an Associate degree from
IUPUI in computer technology. Mr. Comer had received many honors and awards in
Ripley County 4H as well as with the FFA at Holton High School. He had been
employed with Merchants Bank and Mallory Controls in Indianapolis. Mr. Comer
was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church and the Purdue Agriculture
Alumni.He is survived by his parents,
Henry and Evelyn Comer of Holton, his brother Donald Comer and wife Gloria of
Holton,his sister Sharon Allen and
husband Bob of Charlestown, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews. He was
preceded in death by his sister Connie Jane Comer. Funeral services will be
held Sunday, June 1st at 2pm at the Hopewell Baptist Church with
Rev. David Shivers officiating. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Calling
will be Saturday, May 31st from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Holton Cemetery or
the building fund of the Hopewell Baptist Church. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Cpl. Leslie Scott Stratton USMC, 22, of Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina passed away Thursday, May 22, 2003 at the New Hanover Regional
Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. Mr. Stratton was a native of
Holton and had been in active duty with USMC since April of 2000 and completed
basic training at the USMC Depot in San Diego. After basic training he
completed his AIT at Camp Pendleton, California and then served with the 2nd
Division 8th Marines as a scout sniper. In February 2001 Cpl.
Stratton was assigned to the Battalion Landing Team of the 24th
Marine Expeditionary Unit assigned to the USS Kearsarge. He also served over
seas missions in France, Macedonia, Morocco, Turkey, and the USSR.He was born at Madison on October 8, 1980,
the son of Leslie Jr. and Vernice Owens Stratton. He was a 1999 graduate of
South Ripley High School and was a member of the Dabney Baptist Church.
Survivors include his parents, Les and Vernice Stratton of Holton, one brother,
Roger Stratton of New Albany, and one sister, Jennifer Stratton of Holton; his
fiancé Katherine Algets of Georgia; his maternal grandparents, Joe and Susan
Owens of Osgood, his grandmother Carol Stratton of Holton, several cousins,
aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents,
Leslie and Ruby Stratton. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 28th
at 10:30am at the Dabney Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Cole officiating.
Burial will be in the Dabney Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 27th,
from 3pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials
may be given to the Dabney Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Amelia Lily Holman, 92, of New Marion passed away
Saturday, May 24, 2003 at her residence. She was born in the West Fork
community on December 24, 1910 the daughter of Harry andMyrtie Shepard Geisler. She was married to
Truman Holman on April 11, 1936 and he preceded her in death on July 26, 1994.
Mrs Holman was a homemaker and a member of the West Fork Baptist Church.
Survivors include three sons, Lester Holman and his wife Renea of Madison,
Harry and Bernadette Holman of New Marion, Roy and Vickie Holman of Versailles;
four daughters, Dina Herbert and her husband Vernon of Millhousen, Darlene
Holman of New Marion, Myrtie Franklin and her husband Frank of the Hopewell
community, and Brenda Holman of Greensburg;14 grandchildren, 26
great-grandchildren; three sisters, Alta Asche of North Vernon, Freda Ellis and
Delta Little, both of Madison. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death
by her parents, her brothers Alva Geisler, Lester Geisler, and Leslie Geisler,
one grandson, and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 26th at 11am
at the West Fork Baptist Church near Rexville. Visitation will be Sunday, May
25th from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in
Versailles.Burial will be in the
church cemetery. Memorials may be given to the church or cemetery. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Edna Pennington, 76, of Elrod, passed away Saturday, May 31st
at her residence. She was born at Laurel Creek , Kentucky on October 28, 1926,
the daughter of Woodard and Amelia Jane Ball Sawyers. She was married to Nevel
Pennington on December 7, 1941 and he preceded her in death. Mrs. Pennington
was a homemaker and a member of the Washington Baptist Church at Elrod. She is
survived by three sons; Ruick Pennington and his companion Gwen, Kenny Jordan
and wife Debbie, and Tony Pennington and wife Shari all of Elrod; eight
daughters; Earline Copeland and her husband Kenny of Versailles, Joyce and
Jerry Vogel of Friendship, Judy and Les Wright, Cheryl and Dana Hooton, Shelley
and Darrell Smith all of Madison, Patand Jeff Owens of Elrod, Kim and Bob Brown of Seymour, and Teri and
Trace Cutter of Milan; 27 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; one
brother, Clay Sawyers of Burlington, Kentucky; two sisters; Zilphia Ludington
of Cincinnati and Bitha Byrd of Manchester. She was also preceded in death by
her parents, daughters Katherine and Verna Marie, four great-grandchildren,
three brothers, and two sisters. Visitation will be Monday, June 2nd
from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton- Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral
services will be held Tuesday, June 3rd at 10:30am at the Washington
Baptist Church in Elrod with Rev. Bruce Fitzsimmons officiating. Burial will be
in the Cravens Cemetery in Milan. Memorials may be given to the Washington
Baptist Church Building Fund, Milan Rescue 30, or the Milan Fire Department. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Jack H. Baugh, 66, of Versailles, passed away Saturday, May
17th at his residence. He was born in Indianapolis on March 22,
1937, the son of Gale and Evelyn Brenneman Baugh, both deceased. He was married
to Shirley Sturgill on September 20, 1957, and she survives. Other survivors
include five sons, Jeffrey A. Baugh and wife Lee of Atlanta, Mark D. Baugh and
wife Amy of Boston, Michael W. Baugh and Joseph P. Baugh both of Goose Creek,
South Carolina, and Matthew J. Baugh and wife Tammy of Charleston, South Carolina;
two grandsons, Daniel and Dylan Baugh; one brother, James Baugh of Greencastle,
four sisters, Eileen Bryant of Martinsville, Helen Poynter of Greencastle,
Mildred Butram of Danville, and Barbara Shepard of Fair Oaks, California. He
was preceded in death by his sister Jean Hornback. Mr. Baugh served in the US
Air Force and was the parts manager for Craig Auto in Madison. Funeral services
will be held Tuesday, May 20th at 12pm at the Stratton-Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles. Calling will be one hour prior to the services.
Memorials may be given to the Hospice of Dearborn County. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Marty Mitchell, 49, of West Harrison, passed
away Saturday, May 10, 2003 at his residence. He was born in Indianapolis on
February 9, 1954, the son of Bert and Mary Anderson Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was a
brick layer with Local 18 of Cincinnati and was a member of the Sunman Masonic
Lodge.Survivors include his mother, Mary Mitchell
ofMoores Hill,one son, Troy Mitchell and his wife Lydia of
Kissimmee, Florida, daughters Annette Gregory of Bright and Heather Mitchell of
Harrison;five grandchildren, six brothers, Bud Mitchell of
Elgin, SC, Lonnie Mitchell of Lawrenceburg, Victor Mitchell of Zephyr Hills,
Florida, Nolan Mitchell of Inverness, Florida, Edward Mitchell of Rising Sun,
and Sgt. Jesse Mitchell serving in the armed forces in Italy; four sisters,
Joyce West and LaMona West both of Osgood, Judy Hargrove of Tacoma, Washington,
and Janine Fry of Moores Hill.Mr. Mitchell was preceded in death
by his father and his brother Clinton. Visitation will be Monday, May
12th from 5pm to 8pm
(EST) at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services
will be Tuesday, May 13th at 11am in the funeral home with Rev. David Childress of the Milan
Wesleyan Church officiating. Burial will be in the Greendale Cemetery at Osgood.
Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Milan Wesleyan
Church. Stratton Karsteter
Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Lorraine Taylor, 74, of Osgood, passed away Friday, April 25th
at the Waters in Batesville. She was born at Paint Lick, Kentucky on December
6, 1928, the daughter of John and Bertha Moberly Mack. Mrs. Taylor was retired
from US Shoe and was a member of the Tanglewood Christian Church. She is
survived by three sons, Jerry Russell and his wife Christy of Versailles,
Robert Russell and his wife Jeannie of Sealy Lake, Montana, and Thomas Russell
and wife Tracy of Missouri; eight daughters, Betty Antrobus and Terry of
Indianapolis, Linda Vinson and Irvin of Milan, Shirley Tyler and Tom of North
Vernon, Debbie McIntosh of Osgood, Nancy Canada and David of Holton, Patty
Powers and Rodney of Batesville, Leitha Blair and Tim of Osgood, Vickie Clayton
and Joe of Holton; 39 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Taylor was
from a family of fourteen brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held
Tuesday, April 29th at 11am at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home
in Versailles with Ron Fox and Melvin Barrows officiating. Visitation will be
Monday, April 28th from 5pm to 8pm in the funeral home. Burial will
be in the Tanglewood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the donors choice. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Virginia Wilson Powers, 88, of Versailles, formerly of
Madison passed away Tuesday evening, April 15th at the Dillsboro
Manor. She was born at Bennington on June 27, 1914 the daughter of Frank and
Jane Cole Bear. She was married to Harold Wilson on September 6, 1930 and he
preceded her in death on February 18, 1951.She is survived by four sons; Harold Lloyd Wilson and his wife Judy of
Dillsboro, Harvey Wilson and his wife Liza, Frank Wilson and his wife Lana, all
of Commiskey, and Paul Wayne Wilson and his wife Brenda of Cross Plains; two
daughters, Esther Smith and her husband Robert of Versailles and Patty Johnson
of Lexington, Indiana; 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and four
great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Powers was preceded in death by her granddaughter
Melinda Thompson, her great-granddaughter Jennifer Smith, five brothers and
four sisters. Visitation will be Friday, April 18 from 6pm to 8pm at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services will be
Saturday, April 19 at 10:30am at the funeral home with Rev. Becky Pohle of the
Tanglewood Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery at
Cross Plains. Memorials may be given to the cemetery. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Roscoe Vogel, 91, of Versailles passed away Sunday
evening, April 13 at the Dillsboro Manor. He was born near Cross Plains on
April 3, 1912, the son of Frank and Edith Ricketts Vogel. He was married to
Ruth Willman on May 19, 1934 and she survives. Other survivors include one
daughter, Janice Sedam and her husband Richard of Indianapolis; one son, Gerald
Vogel and his wife Joyce of Versailles; five grandchildren and ten
great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister
Geneva Fischer. Mr. Vogel was a farmer and retired from Seagrams in 1973.
Funeral services will be Thursday, April 17th at 1pm at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Calling will be Wednesday, April
16th, from 5pm to 8pm. Burial will be in the St. Paul Lutheran
Cemetery in Dewberry. Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department.
Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Melinda A. Thompson, 40, of Versailles passed away
Wednesday, April 09, 2003 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was
born at Madison on November 17, 1962, the daughter of Robert E. and Esther
Wilson Smith. She was married to Kevin Thompson on May 22, 1982 and he
survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Mandy Thompson, a freshman at
Ball State, and Amber Thompson at home; her parents, Robert E. and Esther Smith
of Versailles, her father and mother-in-law, Everett and Melba Thompson of Versailles,
five brothers, Lloyd, Eddie, and Farron Smith of Versailles, John Smith of
Bloomington, and Randy Smith of Batesville. one sister Diane Harding of North
Vernon; her maternal grandmother Virginia Wilson Powers of Dillsboro. Mrs.
Thompson along with her husband owned and operated the Country Chicken
Restaurant in Dillsboro. She was a 1981 graduate of South Ripley High School
and a member of the Tanglewood Baptist Church. Visitation will be Friday, April
11th from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in
Versailles. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 12th at 11am at
the Tanglewood Baptist Church with Rev. Becky Pohle officiating. Burial will be
in the Tanglewood Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the donors choice. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Lillian C. Feller, 90, of Versailles passed away Thursday,
April 3, 2003 at the Waters at Ross Manor in Dillsboro. She was
born at Allardt, Tennessee on April 26, 1912, the daughter of Carl
and Rosa Schultz Diem. She was married to Arthur Feller on June
27, 1942 and he preceded her in death on January 20, 1990. Mrs.
Feller was a homemaker and a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church
in Olean. She formerly worked as a cook for the Wyler family in
Cincinnati and was employed with the Streatman Biscuit Company in
Cincinnati. She is survived by a step-daughter, Jean Scheibel of
Guilford; one sister, Florence Bultman of Richmond and several nieces
and nephews. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Herman
Diem, Otto Diem, William Diem, Henry Diem, and Hugo Diem; also by
four sisters, Clara Jahnigen, Erna Werner, Bertha Marshall, and
Lena Eaton. Funeral services will be Monday, April 7th at 11am at
the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean with Rev. Marcus Felde officiating.
Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation
will be Sunday, April 6th from 2pm to 4pm at the Stratton-Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Cliff
Hill Cemetery. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Lucille A. Miller, 94, of Versailles passed away Tuesday
April 1st at the Shady Nook Nursing Home in Lawrenceburg. She was
born at Olean on July 9, 1908, the daughter of Emmett and Louise
Kroeger Williams. She was married to Frank Miller on September 4,
1929 and he preceded her in death on April 20, 1981. Mrs. Miller
was a homemaker and a member of the St. John Catholic Church in
Osgood. She was a 1926 graduate of Holton High School, a member
of Delta Rho Tri-Kappa, and played in several bridge clubs in the
Versailles area. Survivors include one daughter, Suzanne Giltner
and her husband Cliff of Lawrenceburg, four grandchildren and twelve
great-grandchildren; one sister, Hallie Miller of Hamilton, Ohio.
Besides her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by
her sister Ada Freudenstein. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday,
April 4th at 11am at the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood with
Father Darvin Winters and Father Frank Eckstein officiating. Burial
will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. Visitation will
be Thursday, April 3rd from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter
Funeral Home in Versailles with rosary services at 7:30pm. Memorials
may be given to the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Vivian Sutton, 83, of Oxford, Georgia, formerly of Osgood passed away Thursday,
March 20th at Conyers, Georgia. She was born near Osgood on July 12,
1919, the daughter of Albert and Marie Kelly Hardebeck. She was married to
George Sutton on December 18, 1942 and he preceded her in death in 1998. She is
survived by her son George Sutton and his wife Sandra of Hamilton, Ohio; one
daughter Ruby Rowlette and her husband Dale of Oxford, Georgia; eight
grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren; two brothers Roy Hardebeck of Osgood and Leo
Hardebeck of Napoleon; three sisters Ruth Cole of Holton, Jeanette Clumper of
Osgood, and Diane Shelton of Black Canyon City, Arizona. She was preceded in
death by her sister Coleen Elston. Mrs. Sutton was a homemaker and a member of
the Cedar Creek Community Church. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March
25th at 2pm at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with
Rev. Garland Rudd officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at
Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Cedar Creek Community Church or the
Cliff Hill Cemetery. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home
Versailles 689-1171

Aubrey O. (Babe) Estell, 99, of New Marion passed away
Thursday, March 20that the
home of his daughter in Taylorsville. He was born at Willow Branch in Hancock
County, Indiana on September 22, 1903 the son of Joseph and Mary Lyda Gibson
Estell.He was married to Mary Kennens
on November 30, 1936 and she preceded him in death on February 29, 1988.
Survivors include five daughters; Clara Clem of Brownsburg, Shirley Franklin of
Holton, Judy Roberts of Taylorsville, Marsha Grigsby of Spencer, OK, and Cheryl
Robbins of North Vernon; one son Rick Estell of Holton; fifteen grandchildren,
thirteen great-grandchildren, and six great-great- grandchildren, along with
many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers
Russell, Bryan,and Raymond Estell and
his sisters Gladys Baker and Pearl Toremlin, and two grandchildren.Mr. Estell, along with his brothers
constructed many barns and homes in southeastern Indiana. He also operated
Estell’s Fruit Farm at his home near New Marion. Funeral services will be held
Monday, March 24th at 11am at the Stratton- Karsteter Funeral Home
in Versailles with Rev. John Willis and Kent Carter officiating.Visitation will be Sunday from 4pm to 8pm at
the funeral home. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given
to the New Marion Baptist Church or the Holton Cemetery. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Edward Lee Jolly, 71, of Versailles passed away Sunday at
the Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati. He was born at Benham on February 7, 1932,
the son of Thomas Edward and Lela Whitton Jolly. He was married to Hope Marie
Melton on October 26, 1985 and she survives. Other survivors include five
daughters; Lisa Sanders and her husband Dennis of Versailles, Linda Pettit and
her husband Ervin of Moores Hill, Cindy Cushing of Cleves, Pam Bressert and her
husband Randy of Versailles, and Brenda Vaughn and her husband Greg of Seymour;
three sons Rick Jolly of Hyden, Kentucky, Charles Jolly and his wife Veronica
of Moorefield, and Mark McClure of Shelbyville; 18 grandchildren and 4
great-grandchildren; one sister Mabel Hyatt of Madison and his sister-in-law
Kathy Hoffman of Cross Plains. He was preceded in death by his parents, his
half-brothers Howard and Kirby Jolly, his son Donald and his daughter Vicky
Lynn Jolly. Mr. Jolly was retired from Monsanto and was a 1950 graduate of
Cross Plains High School. He was an Army veteran of Korea. Mr. Jolly attended
the Cross Plains Church of Christ where he was baptized on September 14, 2000.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 19 at 11am at the Cross Plains Church
of Christ with Brother Logan Fugate officiating. Burial will be in the Salem
Cemetery near Cross Plains with military rites by the Versailles American
Legion. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 18 from 5pm to 8pm at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the
Salem Cemetery or the Cross Plains Church of Christ School.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Charles Michael (Mike) White, 44, of Versailles passed away
Friday, March 7th at his residence. He was born August 8, 1958 at
Batesville. He is survived by his father, Frank Braley of Versailles, one
brother Bruce Braley and his wife Nancy of Bedford, Pennsylvania; sisters Carla
Stenger and her husband Peter and Alena White all of Versailles; his Godchild
and niece Charity Barrett of Rexville and several other nieces and nephews. He
was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Smith Braley.Mr. White was a 1976 graduate of South
Ripley High School and was a member of the Tanglewood Baptist Church. He was an
Army veteran and had served for nine years in the Indiana National Guard and
was a bricklayer with Brewer Construction of Versailles. Visitation will be Sunday,
March 9th from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in
Versailles.Funeral services will be
held Monday, March 10th at 11am at the funeral home with Rev. David
Shivers of the Hopewell Baptist Church and Rev. Michael Hendrix of the Tyson United
Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Tanglewood Cemetery with
military honors by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to
the Relay for Life or the Hospice of Jennings County.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Frances M. DeBurger, 88, of Carrollton, Kentucky,
formerly of Versailles passed away Saturday, February 22nd at the
Green Valley Nursing Home in Carrollton. She was born in Shelby County, Indiana
on April 22, 1914 the daughter of Okie and Jessie Schultz Shoppelle. She was
married to Murrell DeBurger and he preceded her in death. She was also preceded
in death by her daughter Wanda Shelton. She is survived by her son-in-law Ralph
Shelton of Warsaw, Kentucky, grandsons Ricky Shelton of Carrollton and Randy Shelton
of Erlanger, ten great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. Mrs.
DeBurger was a homemaker and had operated DeBurger Kennels with her husband at
Versailles and Carrollton. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, February 25th
at the Shelby Cemetery with Rev. Ronnie Harmon officiating. Memorials may be
given to the donors choice. Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in
charge of arrangements.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Dale F. McGee, 80, of Friendship, passed away
Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at the Dearborn County Hospital. Mr. McGee was
born near Cross Plains on April 29, 1922, the son of Roy and Grace Jackson
McGee. He was married to Ilene Harting on October 22, 1949 and she survives.
Other survivors include one son, Kenneth McGee and his wife Judy of Cross
Plains; one grandson, Kevin McGee and his wife Danielle of Pleasant; one
sister, Mabel Chandler of Cross Plains. Mr. McGee was a farmer and was the head
of camping at the NMLRA in Friendship for 35 years having retired in 1998. He
was a 1940 graduate of Cross Plains High School and was a retired member of the
Friendship Fire Department and was also a member of the Madison Moose Lodge.
Visitation will be Friday, February 21st from 5pm to 8pm at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services will be
Saturday February 22nd at 10:30am at the funeral home with
Rev.Sherman Hughes of the Bear Creek Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be
in the Oakdale Cemetery in Dillsboro. Memorials may be given to the Friendship
Fire Department.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Leah M. Swinney, 77, of New Marion passed away Thursday
February 13, 2003 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. She was born at
New Marion on June 1, 1925, the daughter of Rufus and Lillie Brown Myers and
was married to Cecil Swinney on June 20, 1946 and he preceded her in death on
December11, 1997. Mrs. Swinney is
survived by three sons; Charles Swinneyand his wife Vickie, Roger Swinney and wife Connie, all of Osgood,
Chester Swinney and wife Theresa of Versailles; two daughters, Rebecca Mullins and
her husband Lexie, and Linda Elston and her husband Stanley, all of Cross
Plains; two daughters-in-law Phyllis Swinney of Holton and Sarah Myers ofNew Marion; 17 grandchildren and 26
great-grandchildren; three brothers, David Myers of Greenwood, Russell Myers of
Evansville, and Charles Myers of Osgood; three sisters, Mabel Sexton and Nettie
Grigsby both of Versailles, and Rosie Burress of New Marion. She was preceded
in death by her husband, parents, her daughter Julie, sons Richard Swinney and
James Myers, one grandchild, and her sisters Betty Kieffer and Mary Jo
Lauber.Mrs. Swinney was a 1943
graduate of New Marion High School. She was a homemaker and a member of the New
Marion Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2pm at the New Marion
Baptist Church with Russell Stephens officiating. Burial will be in the New
Marion Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, February 15 from 5pm to 8pm at
the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to
the New Marion Cemetery.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Keith Hull, 84, of Holton passed away Wednesday, February 5,
2003 at the St.Vincent Jennnings Community Hospital in North Vernon. He was
born in the Hopewell community near Holton on January 4, 1919, the son of
Golden and Velma Waters Hull.He was a
farmer, attended the Hopewell Baptist Church and attendedthe Conover School in the Hopewell
neighborhood. Mr. Hull is survived by his brother Wayne Hulland wife Carole of Holton, sisters Gloria
Kitley and her husband John of Indianapolis, Zuella McNew and her husband
Robert of Holton, and Phyllis Shaw and her husband Phillip of Marysville: Also
his sister-in-law Jean Hull of North Vernon and several nieces and nephews. He
was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Delmar Hull. Visitation
will be Friday, February 7th from 6pm to 8pm at the
Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Funeral services will be
Saturday at 11am at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. David Shivers
officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be given to
the American Diabetes Assn. or the Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Matthew A. Kinzer, 23, of Greendale Passed away Sunday
February 2, 2003 at Dearborn County Hospital. He was born November 4, 1979 at
Lawrenceburg, the son of David and Janine Allen Kinzer.Mr. Kinzer was a graduate of Lawrenceburg
High School and was astudent at Purdue
University and also at Ivy Tech.He is
survived by his father David Kinzer of Greendale, his mother Janine Rawat of
Greendale, two brothers Josh and Cooper of Greendale and two sisters, Jadie and
Amber of Greendale; Maternal grandparents Warren “Tubby” and Mary Louise Allen
of Greendale; Paternal grandparents Rodney and Patricia Kinzer of Floyds Knobs;
paternal great-grandmother Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Karsteter of Lawrenceburg, and
many aunts, uncles, and cousins.Mass
of Christian burial will be Wednesday February 5th at 11am at the
St.Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceburg with visitation beginning at 9;30am
at the church. Father Jack Hartzer will officiate. Burial will be in the
Greendale Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the donors choice.Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home at
Versailles is in charge of arrangements.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Samuel O. Foster was born at Columbia, Kentucky on October
3, 1919, the son of William E. and Lou Burton Foster and departed this life on
January 31, 2003 in Louisville. Sam was married to Gladys Peebles on April 22,
1977 and she survives. Other survivors include his sister Maxine and several
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother
William A. Foster, his sisters Anna Burton, Alma Kennedy, Pearlie Alley, and
Hattie Cowan.Sam was an Army veteran
of WWII where he served in Northern France, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and in
Central Europe. He was a member of the 35th Chemical Decon Co.
andwas awarded two bronze stars for
military valor. Sam was employed by the Ripley County Farm Bureau Co-op where
he worked at the Holton Mill. Funeral services will be held Tuesday February 4th
at 2pm at the Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. David
Blazier officiating. Visistation will be Monday February 3rd from
5pm to 8pm. Masonic services will beMonday at 7:30pm in the funeral home, conducted by the Holton Masonic
Lodge of which Sam was a member for 30 years. The Napoleon VFW will conduct
military graveside rites Tuesday at the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles.
Memorials may be given to the Holton Masonic Lodge.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Mary E. Beach, 81, of Lousiville passed away Monday at the
Baptist Hospital East in Louisville. She was born at Cincinnati on December 9,
1921, the daughter of William and Fannie Carr Nuckles. She was married to James
Leslie Beach on April 17, 1946 and he preceded her in death on March 17, 1986.
Mrs. Beach was raised in the Holton area. She is survived by her son Ronald
Beach of Evansville, her daughter Beverly Moore and her husband James of
Louisville; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brother and
sister-in-law Sam and Velma Stickelman of Holton and her niece Cynthia
Stickelman Melton of Holton. Mrs. Beach was an Army veteran of WWII and served
in the WAC as a weather observer. She was awarded the Bronze Star for her
participation in the Battle of the Rhinelandand the Battle of the Bulge. She was also awarded the American Freedom,
Good Conduct, American Campaign, Womans Army Corps, and the WWII Victory medal.
Funeral services will be held Thursday January 30 at 11am at the Stratton
Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Visitation will be Wednesday January 29
from 6pm to 8pm. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Military graveside
rites will be conducted by the Napoleon VFW. Memorials may be given to the
Holton Cemetery.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Betty Katherine Grubbs, 76, of Versailles passed away
Saturday January 25 at Community Hospital East in Indianapolis. She was born
September 18, 1926 at Connersville the daughter of Everett and Beulah Tolar
Goldey. Mrs. Grubbs is survived by one son Michael Metcalf of Boston; five
daughters; Sherryl Bowling of Harrison, Cynthia Strunk and her husband David of
Versailles, Debbie Smith of Versailles, Linda Guyer of Bowling Green, Ohio, and
Karen Cervone of Pittsburgh; 18 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and
one great-great granddaughter, one brother and two sisters. She was retired
from US Shoe in Harrison. Funeral services will be held Wednesday January 29th
at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Pearl
Cornett officiating.Calling will be
from 11am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Heart Fund.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Irene Louise Schwanholt, 87, of Cross Plains passed
away Friday January 24 at the Dillsboro Manor. She was born near Cross Plains
on May 4, 1915, the daughter of William and Lena Meier Neahousmeyer. She was
married to Walter Schwanholt on September 1, 1945 and he survives. Other
survivors include her daughters,Carolyn Wehmeyer and her husband Danny of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and
Mary Katherine Dickerson and her husband Charles B. of Florence, Indiana; two
grandchildren, Heather Schott of McDonough, Georgia and Joe Wehmeyer of
Brooklyn, New York; one great-granddaughter Savannah Schott. Mrs. Schwanholt
was amember of the St. Paul Lutheran
Church at Dewberry where she was active in the Ladies Aid and the Lutheran
Womens Missionary League. She retired from the Dillsboro Manor in 1984 and was
a homemaker. Funeral services will be held Tuesday January 28 at 11am at the
St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dewberry with Pastor Donald Sauls officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery. Calling will be Monday January 27th
from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials
may be given to St. Paul’s Cemetery or the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Scholarship Fund.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Elfrieda Smith, 80, of Cross Plains passed away Friday
January 17, 2003 at the Dillsboro Manor. She was born near Cross Plains on
January 2, 1923, the daughter of Ernest and Elizabeth Klusman Meier. She was
married to Alfred Smith on September 6, 1946 and he preceded her in death on
August 5, 1986. Mrs. Smith was a homemaker and a member of the St. Paul
Lutheran Church in Dewberry. Survivors include two sons; William Smith of
Versailles, and Kenneth Smith of Lafayette; 3 granddaughters; one brother Elmer
Meier of Cross Plains. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister
Hilda Meier.Funeral services will be
Monday January 20 at 11am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Dewberry with Pastor
Donald Sauls officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Calling will
be Sunday January 19 from 3pm to 6pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in
Versailles and also from 10am until time of services at the church.Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s
Cemetery.

Stratton Karsteter Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

Patsy
A. Asche, 64, of Versailles died Sunday January 12th at the Methodist Hospital
in Indianapolis. She was born at Osgood on January 31, 1938 the daughter
of William Hoover and Naomi Courtney Strimple and was married to Wayne Asche
on September 7, 1957 and he survives. Other survivors include her mother
Mrs.Naomi Strimple of Osgood, three brothers; Don Strimple and Wayne Strimple
both of Versailles, and Rex Strimple of Holton; two sisters; Kay Wells of South
Bend, and Mary Mosier of Osgood, and several nieces and nephews. She was
preceded in death by her father and two infant children. Mrs. Asche
was a 1956 graduate of Osgood High School and had worked as a teller at the
Ripley County Bank. She had also worked as a financial officer for the
School of Home Economics for Purdue University, a financial secretary for the
Hubbard Haven Home in New Carlisle, Indiana and also for the United Methodist
Church in Kent, Ohio. She had also owned and operated a clothing store
in New Carlisle, and was a substitute teacher. Mrs. Asche was a
member of the Versailles Baptist Church. Funeral services will be Wednesday
January 15 at 11am at the Versailles Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Walker
officiating. Burial will be in the Tanglewood Cemetery. Calling
will be Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles
and from 10am until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given
to the Diabetes foundation, Cancer fund, or the Tanglewood Cemetery.

Stratton Karsteter
Funeral Home Versailles 689-1171

James Wm. Buchanan, 83, of St. Cloud, Florida passed away
Wednesday January 8 at the Orlando Regioal Hospital inSt. Cloud. Mr. Buchanan was born near Benham
on August 9, 1919, the son of Benjamin and Sarah Benefiel Buchanan. He was
married to Laura Johnson on June 24, 1941, and she survives. Other survivors
include two sons; Carl Buchanan of St. Cloud, and James Jr. of Lincoln Park,
Michigan; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one brother Wilkie
Buchanan ofCincinnati; two sisters;
Martha Browning and Naomi Peaslee both of Versailles. He was preceded in death
by his parents, his brothers Emmett and Kenneth, and his sister Faye
Ramsey.Mr. Buchanan was retired from
Great Lakes Steel in River Rouge, Michigan. He was an army veteran of WWII and a
member of the First Baptist Church in St. Cloud. Funeral services will be held
Tuesday January 14th at 2pm at the Stratton- Karsteter Funeral Home
in Versailles, with Rev. Carl Martin of the Benham United Methodist Church
officiating.Calling will be from 12pm
until time of the services. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery. Memorials
may be given to the cemetery.